Will County Warming Center List, Extreme Cold Safety Tips

WILL COUNTY, IL — With dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills ranging from 5 below zero to 16 degrees below zero in the forecast, it's not safe to be without heat.

Joliet warming centers can be found at Catholic Charities, 611 E. Cass St.; and MorningStar Mission, 350 E. Washington St. The New Lenox location is inside the police department at 200 Veterans Parkway, and Bolingbrook centers — available by request only — are in the village's No. 4 and No. 5 fire stations on Boughton Road and Rodeo Drive, respectively.

The Will County Emergency Management Agency also offers a list of warming centers countywide, although residents are urged to call ahead before heading to a center. Some locations are available by request only.

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If you do head out, make sure you are dressed for the cold. A winter weather advisory is in effect for the area until 9 p.m. on Friday, and the National Weather Service warns Central Illinois residents of excessive cold risks throughout the weekend.

"Temperatures will fall into the low single digits by morning with wind chills as low as 10 below to 15 below zero early Saturday morning," it said.

Hypothermia can also set in, so anyone who has to travel is urged to wear a hat and gloves.

Will County EMA also offers tips for staying safe in extreme cold.

Extreme Cold Safety Tips

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
• Wear mittens instead of gloves.
• Wear water-repellent clothing.
• Wear a hat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Make sure small children, infants, and the elderly stay warm. They are more vulnerable to the cold.
• Take advantage of warming centers, public park facilities, and heated stores and malls.
• Where possible, try to keep one room in your home heated to 68-70 degrees.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Eat high energy foods and drink warm beverages.
• Beware of overexertion; shoveling snow or pushing disabled cars can be very strenuous and should only be done by individuals in good health.
• Safe heating tips
• Electric heaters can be hazardous and should be used with caution to prevent shock, fire, and burns. Follow the usage instructions carefully and keep clothing and blankets away from heating elements.
• Carbon monoxide can kill. Be careful using fireplaces; make sure flues are clear and properly ventilated.
• Gas ovens, burners, and charcoal should never be used to heat your home.
• NEVER use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.

Safe Use of the Car in Cold Weather

• Make sure your car is in good operating condition before using it in extreme cold.
• Keep condensation (water) out of your gas tank by keeping the tank as full as possible.
• Maintain a storm kit in your car with items such as a cell phone and charger; blankets; extra clothing; jumper cables; a flashlight; high-calorie, non-perishable food; and matches or a lighter.
• Plan your trip carefully. If cold, snowy, or icy conditions exceed your ability or your car's ability, don't travel.
• Tell someone about your travel plans.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.

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